Inklingo

How to Say "gas station" in Spanish

English → Spanish

gasolinera

/gah-so-lee-neh-rah//ɡasoliˈneɾa/

nounA1General
Use 'gasolinera' as the standard and most common term for a place to buy fuel for vehicles, understood everywhere in the Spanish-speaking world.
A colorful fuel pump at a service station with a nozzle and a long hose.

Examples

Necesito llenar el tanque en la gasolinera.

I need to fill the tank at the gas station.

Tengo que parar en la gasolinera para echar combustible.

I have to stop at the gas station to get some fuel.

¿Sabes si hay una gasolinera abierta por aquí?

Do you know if there's a gas station open around here?

La gasolinera está al lado del supermercado.

The gas station is next to the supermarket.

Always Feminine

This word is always feminine, so you must use 'la' or 'una' with it (la gasolinera).

The '-era' Ending

The ending '-era' is often used in Spanish to describe a place where a specific product is sold or kept.

Gasolina vs. Gasolinera

Mistake: “Using 'gasolina' to refer to the building.”

Correction: Use 'gasolina' for the liquid fuel and 'gasolinera' for the physical station where you buy it.

grifo

/GREE-fo//ˈɡɾifo/

nounB2Colloquial/Regional
Use 'grifo' specifically when referring to a gas station in certain regions (like parts of Spain) where it is common colloquial usage for a place selling fuel.
A colorful gas pump with a black hose and nozzle.

Examples

Vamos al grifo más cercano para poner gasolina.

Let's go to the nearest gas station to get gas.

Tenemos que parar en el próximo grifo para cargar gasolina.

We have to stop at the next gas station to get gas.

Hay un grifo abierto las veinticuatro horas cerca de aquí.

There is a gas station open twenty-four hours near here.

El grifo estaba lleno de autos esta mañana.

The gas station was full of cars this morning.

Regional Meaning

In most Spanish-speaking countries, this word means faucet, but in Peru, it is the standard word for a gas station.

Confusing Faucets and Fuel

Mistake: “Looking for a 'gasolinera' in a small Peruvian town.”

Correction: While 'gasolinera' is understood, asking for a 'grifo' will sound much more natural in Peru.

Gasolinera vs. Grifo

Learners often wonder if 'grifo' can be used everywhere. While it's understood in some places, 'gasolinera' is universally recognized. Sticking to 'gasolinera' ensures clear communication across all Spanish-speaking countries.

Related Translations

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